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Regardless of the weather, people often feel the need to escape indoors to a cool air conditioner or a warm and inviting fireplace.
While hiding indoors from the harsh climate might seem like a good idea, many individuals fail to take into account the indoor air pollution that may await them as soon as they step inside. The United States EPA ranked indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental risks to public health, stating that indoor air pollutants are generally between 2 and 5 times higher than outdoor pollution levels.
While the most obvious cure for indoor pollution is going outside, it is not always a viable option. Luckily there are ways in which you can minimize your exposure to indoor air pollution ranging from installing filters to reducing the use of harmful cleaning materials. There are also a number of natural ways to help eliminate harmful toxins from your office or home.
Beeswax candles
If you like burning candles for a subtle lighting effect try to steer clear of paraffin candles and opt for beeswax candles instead. Beeswax burns a lot cleaner than paraffin and has the added benefit of ionizing the air to neutralize toxic compounds as well as other contaminants. Beeswax candles also burn slower, resulting in you having to replace them less often.
Salt lamps and activated charcoal
Himalayan pink salt lamps are great air purifiers that pull toxins out of the environment, neutralizing them. By adding a Himalayan salt lamp to every room you will not only enhance the aesthetics of room but reap great health rewards from it as well. Activated charcoal is another great way to purify indoor air. Also known as active carbon, the odourless activated charcoal is high-absorptive, removing most impurities from the air.
Indoor plants
Plants are Mother Nature’s own special air purifiers. Not only are indoor plants great for your well-being but they will do a lot for the aesthetics of your home as well.
The following are all examples of indoor plants that not only look beautiful but that require very little maintenance as well: Butterfly Palm, Lady Palm, Rubber Tree, Cornstalk Dracaena, Golden Pothos, Peace Lilly and the Chinese Evergreen.
While all of the above methods will contribute towards a healthier indoor environment it is important to never disregard the power of fresh air. Opening a window and letting in some air from outside may, regardless of the fears of outdoor pollution, go a long way in keeping your indoor door healthy enough to breathe in.
Guest Post by Jess Walter
Photo by Hans Vivek on Unsplash